James,
Restoration and woodwork is always a tricky one. The checkering is still quite sharp - probably because it hasn't been used a great deal as cartridges became difficult to obtain. My inclination is to leave well alone a retain it's character after all it is 150 years old. I will probably do one thing at a time - get the hammers fitted - find someone to make me some ammunition - I have access to a couple of original cartridges so dimensions shouldn't be a problem. Once working get the barrels re browned and the engraving on the rib re done as it is very faint. Perrins were only at Mealcheapen St from 1868 to 1879 so I feel it is important to retain this information as it adds provenance. Then try it out on a few pheasants! maynot be this session but perhaps I may get the opportunity if I delay the rebrowning till next summer - watch this space. I was really pleased to see the screws still in place - not sure why the hammers were removed unless someone had been dry firing it and broken them.
I am not intending to return it to 'as new' condition as I think guns of this age can be over restored - they are what they are and should show signs of use by previous custodians - it is part of their heritage and history.
You occasionally see 14 bore pin fire cartridges come up at auction and in the past I have seen new empty case for sale but I think I will go down the route of getting a handful or two brass ones turned up. It isn't going to be my main gun - just a fun gun to take as a talking point and show that those old boys knew what they were doing - hopefully!!!!
John
